When first Alex heard Samuel’s tale, he was somewhat left doubting if joining this band would be a good idea. The man was running from his issues. A cowardly thing to do. This reaction was quite evident on his face. But seeming as he already sitting down next to the man, he thought it to be rude to leave now. Either way, he was committed to joining the group. At least he could give them a chance. “Well, I hope you won’t run when I need you.” He couldn’t help but give a bit of a backhanded remark. But still, he had to make clear he wouldn’t forgive cowards.

When Samuel asked after his very own reason, Alex prepared for his story. Which meant he took a hefty jug, filled it with mead and beckoned Samuel to do the same. “My last name probably isn’t ringing many bells around these parts. My sister owns a modest estate around here. An attempt to expand our masters endeavors down south. That and the tower is becoming ever more important.” Alex’s talk sounded extremely tactical. As if he was discussing a strategy to conquer a kingdom. But that was the way how it was explained. Only less aggressive. “The Reinners, my family, are a servant house to the Goodguards. Whom may summon up some rumors. The Goodguards are a grand house up north. So far, both the houses are strongly entwined. In times of peace we are advisors and tutors of young Goodguards. In times of war, they assume the mantle of command. Taking up ancient titles like Archon or Xenophon. They send out the troops. But the Reinners… the Reinners march in the vanguard. Always loyal and unwavering. Many of my family died fighting for the Goodguards. But their sacrifices almost always secured victory.” As a way of showing his respect he raised his jug and took a hefty chug out of it.

“That’s my destiny. I’ll be a tutor, an advisor and a guardian of the latest Goodguard generation.” But his face turned somber. “I’ve come here because I wasn’t good enough. I wasn’t strong enough. I’m still not strong enough. I’m to be the best companion for a lady yet I couldn’t even take down a swordmaster. Long story short, I found Nimueh.” He looked down at his feline friend, sleeping on the table. “She showed me a way how I could get stronger. So now I’m here. To become stronger and to gather the strongest spirits from the tower.” He once again took a gulp. Right then, Okami sat down at the table. Out of respect, he first took a bite out of his ribs as the boy started talking.

He nodded in appreciation as Okami asked about the ribs. They were absolutely delicious. He’d ask for the recipe, so his sister may make it if she wanted to. But as it appeared to be a secret, Alex chose not to press. “Oh… stay the night? I can’t, I’m sorry. My mom is expecting me back at the estate by midnight. I got my lessons tomorrow.” He kept his mouth shut that the lessons were given by a Mystic, on how to manage his psychic powers better. He thought that it would sound as if he didn’t want to train with Okami. He also kept his mouth shut about reaching 15th place.

Although, as Alex was about to ask how Okami found himself in a tavern with an orc as bartender, some weird guy was… Alex wasn’t paying attention but it felt as if he was challenging Samuel? Did the guy have a problem? Alex leaned in on Samuel, asking: “You know this guy?” It was said in a certain way that meant: is he trouble?

@cloudystar
@MacDuffy
@Savo
@Legion02

Samuel noticed a hint of some emotion on Alex's face: disappointment? Samuel silently berated himself for being so damn secretive, before he was alerted to Alex's response.

“Well, I hope you won’t run when I need you.”

Samuel felt even worse, and thought about clarifying what he was running from wasn't really something he could fix, but stopped himself when he saw Alex begin to fill up his pint with some alcoholic beverage. Samuel, never being the drinking type, filled up his glass to be polite, but did not drink. Soon, Alex began to describe a long story about his reasons behind coming to the tower. Apparently, the 'Reinners' were a family that once served the 'Goodguards'. That second name sounded incredibly familiar, but Samuel had been to many places on his travels, so that was to be expected. As the conversation went on, Samuel noticed the large amount of respect that Alex had for his family, taking note of the sense of duty he seemed to have. Apparently, the reason Alex had climbed the tower in the first place was because he needed the strength to protect a member of the 'Goodguards' as a bodyguard. Samuel decided that now was a good time to interject.

"It is very noble of you to choose that path. However, I believe things such as protection and power are overrated. I think happiness and love are just as, if not more, important than power and strength."

Samuel turned to look at the black haired boy, Okami, who now sported a large bruise. D-did he get that from one of the balls? Samuel quickly grabbed the plate of ribs, and began to devour it with gusto. After all, it was the first thing he had eaten besides breakfast, and today had not been easy. In between bites, he responded to Okami's questions and concerns.

"I would appreciate it, however, I would not feel right if I simply stayed at your home for free. Would it be alright if I could help with any chores or tasks that need to be completed?"

"And their is no need to worry about your score! After all, even if it not factored into the exam grade, you are the only person out of us who can manage to accomplish this 'unison form'. That alone is worthy of praise! Besides, score doesn't really matter, does it? After all, we still got our licenses!"

Samuel quickly flashed his license to demonstrate, before a sudden thought shot through his head: When did they even take his picture? Samuel shrugs, dismissing the thought from his mind. All if a sudden, he became aware of the loud yelling from a particularly eccentric individual.

"Who may this courageous being be? He is ephemeral no longer, he is..."

"Samuel, the Heaven's Sage!"

Samuel's head slowly, almost comically began to turn towards the source of the commotion, a man slightly taller than Samuel himself and dressed in all black. The individual was wearing a mask, concealing his eyes. He seemed... unique, to say the least. Samuel, ignoring the snickering that began to permeate the tavern, raised his hand and beckoned the man towards the table, before calling out.

"Thank you for the title, but just 'Samuel' is fine! Have I met you before?!"

The man did seem to be familiar, and while Samuel could not remember specifically, it must have been recently that he had seen the man. And that title... Heaven's Sage? It sounded... Radical, to say the least, but definitely not something that would be acceptable for an old man such as himself.

"You know this guy?”

Samuel quickly leaned in towards Alex and muttered out a response.

"No clue."

---

Booooooooooooooooooorrrrrriiiiiiiinnnnnnnnggggggg

What the hell is going on? This is a tavern! I thought there would be women and quests! Not long, boring talks about families and whatever else those losers were talking about. Maybe the women are hiding somewhere? That's difficult... I thought they just jumped out and praised you for killing the monster, then stroked and cleaned your feathers...

*Sigh*

Oh well, at least the food is coming out -

What the hell is this?

The mighty Gabriel does not consume meat. Where is his food? Surely they do not expect him to go outside and eat nuts and berries like a peasant?

Oh, there it is. That green stuff. The thing that looks like small, jade trees. I would perfer nuts, but... Heroes can't be choosers...

Except when it came to maidens.

Wait... Who is that? That man who is undeniably stylish and heroic?

Oh my stars, finally! The person I have been waiting for has finally arrived!

My sidekick!

Obviously, someone as magnificent as myself deserves a sidekick, and someone such as this man are sure to provide a better hero than the boring guy! I will get him to notice me by chirping yelling for him.

"You there, the mighty Lux! I, Gabriel, have deemed you worthy of being my sidekick! You're duties will be numerous, but in time, you will achieve a fraction of my magnificence!"

“Thank you for stating the obvious,” Kiara said to the dead-panned eel, looking around the area in the hopes of spotting out a free table. Alas, Roma was much quicker in that regard and soon the Spirit was dragging both her and Artemis away from the crowds and towards an already occupied table. Eyes blinking, she opened her mouth to apologize to the man for Roma’s rather brash tactics but unfortunately the eel’s mouth were as quick as her feet.

“What? Since when do we need aid for the Tower?” she questioned, feeling as if she was being completely ignored in this conversation. “Oh not you too Artemis! And who do you think is going to pay for all that, huh-hey where did you even get that money?” Honestly, at this point there was no need for her to intervene and she settled back in her seat with crossed arms.

“I guess we need your services then. Apparently. But seeing as you’re more fitted to be a guard than a guide, there’s no use in turning you down all the same. There’s strength in numbers so we might as well stick together,” she said with a sigh. “Pardon my Spirits. Sometimes they think they’re saying what I want.”

That would be followed with a nice jab to Artemis provided by Kiara’s elbow. She glared at the Spirit before directing her gaze over to the commotion to the side. Obviously Baldur was a man of many froths so if they were going to pay him, it would have to be in something a bit stronger than mere wine.

---

---

@Legion02, @Duoya, @TheWindel, @MacDuffy, @KoL, @Lonewolf685, @cloudystar

Okami glances over to his pa at the bar but he was too busy being enticed with the regulars who show up at this time of the evening. He finishes up his meal rather quickly so he can deal with the current situation.

"Don't worry Samuel, just be friendly to my pa when you ask him for a key to a room. Oh and don't show fear, that's one good thing my father likes. And it's alright Alex, I'll show Samuel tomorrow the Unison Form so you can have more people to learn from about it. It's easy...then again exhausting so it is a major drawback. Good luck with your lessons! I have great confidence in you two and the others in our group, loyal to the bone and adventurers in heart!"

He gives a hearty swing with his fist at the air to show his enthusiasm as he starts to stand up. The new drunkard/speech person started to come over to their table...rather confused. Lupa gives a small growl to the man for being awkward in his approach and was about to pounce until Okami calmed her down. He pets his companion carefully as he observed the man rather carefully. Giving a glance to the people who the man just met, a girl with brunette hair and a rather large man of sorts in a hood, he gives them a wave.

"Sir...um are you okay? If you aren't I suggest you try to hasten yourself out of the tavern here because you may end up getting hurt. Excuse me sir and miss, are you friends with this man? I'm trying to have a really good talk with my friends here about adventuring soon and we also have to make plans before we set out...rather not make them public so can you guys take him? Otherwise...if he does anything hasty, I'll have to use...force. Then again, mostly speed since I'm not all that strong but can move pretty fast. Rather not though since Lupa here is tired too..."

Okami stops petting Lupa so she can finish her meat as he stretches and gets up...preparing for the worse.

@Savo@TheWindel@Duoya@Legion02@KoL@Lonewolf685

Participants: @cherrywitch@Rune_Alchemist@RabidAnubis@Lady Athena
Location: Vilivyn’s House



As Vilivyn finished responding, the previously quiet Inari decided to drag her summoner out … the new best friend! The demoness wouldn’t have it! Soon Lena decided to leave as well, but that mean pixie person was forcing her to stay. Good! They were supposed to be spending the night!

”Y-yeah! What the meanie pixie said! We are all gonna be bestie friendsies and you are both staying!” The black haired girl practically leaped towards Faera, wrapping her arms around the nicest person she had met all day. ”Pwease! The servants have already been told they’d have to make extra breakfast in the morning!”

If that wasn’t enough to convince the meanie foxy, Vili gave Inari the most irresistible cutey pouty face she could manage. She was a succubus, dammit! No one resisted her charms!

Inari, however, was more busy with the term the ‘meanie pixie’ had used to describe him. ”Old… Did she, just call me old…?”

Faera felt a sweat-drop bead on her forehead. ”Oh no…”

The fox released Faera’s wrist and turned around with a very dark, evil half grin on his face. ”You know, I always wondered what roasted pixie would smell like…” He raised his clawed hand as a ball of blue foxfire erupted in his palm. Faera almost turned white, leaping away from the hug of Vili to wave her arms frantically in front of the maniacal fox spirit.

”There will be no burning of anyone today! No, bad foxie, bad!”

"Ha! If you think I'm scared of a senile-" There was the sound of the pixie squeeing again as Lena grabbed Tania off of her head, and holding the small pixie firmly in her hand.

"Ack! I'm sorry!" Lena sputtered out, giving a slight bow before bringing the pixie to her eye level and frowning slightly.

"Tania! Stop...being antagonistic! Just for...the rest of the night okay?" Tania was resting an elbow on Lena's hand, frowning slightly before letting out a sigh. Lena looked like she was legitimately about to cry. Maybe she had been over compensating on her vast arsenal of snark?

"Fiiiine. I'll behave. Just don't leave me in a room alone with those two." Tania grumbled.

Vilivyn let off a slight frown as Faera lept from her hands, but said nothing else. It seemed the others planned on staying at least, so at this point she felt like she had something to stay. ”Okayyay! So, foxyman, you’lllet her stay? Without burning anyone!?””

”I have a name.” Inari growled lowly, glaring still at Tania but huffed and with a flick of his wrist let the flames disappear. ”And by the way, ugly little far creature, I'm only twenty two in kitsune years.” He then turned a less hostile gaze to his summoner, who seemed to have finally taken a breath now that he wasn't on a warpath. ”... Do you really wish to stay here?”

Faera gave him a hopeful look, nodding softly up at him. ”I really do…”

”Of course you do.” Inari sighed deeply, glancing away from Faera’s big puppy dog eyes. ”Well, then I have no choice. I won't make you unhappy.”

”Yay!” Faera jumped forward and hugged the fox around his waist, his ear twitching in annoyance.

”Oh, quit it! You know I hate being held!” He grumbled, but still the girl giggled and hugged him close.

Vilivyn joined in the chorus of happiness, jumping up slightly and giving Inari a brief hug. He might hate being held, but darn it was awesomewhen he was nice! ”WellI’mgoingto go clean my room and see what we can do for funsies so … I’ll be rightback! Give me just a second!” With a degree of excitement in having friends over, the demoness skipped down the hallway cheerfully. They’d all be besties, she was sure of it!

Inari huffed in annoyance, brushing and shaking off the area he was hugged with disgust.

"Heh, twenty two? I guess that makes me your elder. You should respect me-" A sharp swat on the head from Lena silenced Tania as Vilivyn left. "Urgh, this is going to be a pain." The pixie grumbled as Lena let her go, fluttering up to Lena's head. "Do whatevers. I'm just gonna take a nap." Tania laid down on top of Lena, yawning in an oddly cute fashion and for the most part began ignoring everyone in the room.

"R-right!" Honestly, Lena was relieved that it went mostly well. She turned to Faera, giving her a friendly smile before she suddenly realized that in her haste to talk to Vilivyn, she completely forgot to introduce herself.

"A-ah! I am so sorry I forgot to introduce myself!" She blurted out. "Alena! Alena Liatris! The pixie is Tania. Nice to meet both of you - I apologize for Tania's eeerr....bluntness."

The orange haired girl smiled weakly. At least Lena remembered…

”Oh, don't worry! My name is Faera, Faera Nottingham. This is my fox spirit, Inari. I also apologize for his, um, aggressive demeanor. He's a very kind spirit, I promise!” The fox arched a brow at his summoner, trying not to scoff. Faera felt another twinge of worry go through her. Why couldn't he just be friendly for once?

Faera went over to Lena, placing a gentle hand on her shoulder. ”And don't act so scared, okay? No one’s mad at you or Tania for anything. I think we’ll be great friends, hehe!” She flashed a cute, warm and closed eye smile at the girl, cocking her head to the side in a calming way. Faera looked up at the fairy with another quick grin, offering her index finger for the small spirit to shake. ”You too, little Tania. I'm sure we won't have a problem getting along, huh?”

Lena seemed to momentarily tense as Faera placed a hand on her shoulder as a small blush formed on her cheeks. After a few seconds though, she seemed to collect herself and managed to stutter out a reply.

"R-right! Of course....u-uh...nice to meet you Faera. I hope we can get along...you as well, Inari." She gave her a small friendly smile in reply. Right, of course no one was mad at her. She couldn't help but feel as though she caused unneeded complications but...she'd force the thought out of her head for now.

Tania just glared at Faera from the elfs head, a variety of rather colorful insults forming on her lips before she sighed. She said she'd behave, so she'd behave. Sitting up, the pixie begrudgingly grabbed Faera's index finger with a hand and gave it a small shake.

"Yeah yeah. We'll be besties." Without another word, the pixie laid back down and promptly began ignoring everyone.

Faera didn't become angry or even upset by the tone Tania had taken. In fact, the orange haired girl giggled softly, using her hand that had been on Lena’s shoulder to cover her mouth. Inari, with an unamused look on his face took the seat Faera had claimed before and sat sideways, draping his legs carelessly over the arm of the overstuffed chair and resting his elbow on the opposite side to hold his head up. He watched Faera carefully, not fully trusting that sparkling little fly of a spirit on top of the elf’s head. If she said one word to Faera… The fox tried not to grumble under his breath. If the little fluttering pest had promised to be civil, so would he. He turned on his back to stare boredly at the high ceiling.

Vilivyn wandered back into the room, her rapid room cleanup finalized as she had rushed through the process. Butthere were other things to do before bedtime! It wasn’t that late yet. ”Haveyouguys been swimming? We have a hot spring on the manor grounds, trust me it’s realllllly comfortable.” Wasn’t necessary to mention that it was artificial and magically run, but those were just details.

The noblewoman’s daughter had her eyes briefly drift over to Inari. ”No shady stuff from the boy, okay?” The momentary suspicion rapidly disappeared though as Vilivyn wrapped Faera and Lena into a deep hug. ”We have the bathing suits in that ‘shack’ next to it! Let’sgo!” With that, she began dragging them towards the door. She wasn’t sure if Faera intended to bring the kitsune along, and she had already informed her mom about Alba.

The elf visibly froze, eyes going wide at the sudden hug from Vilivyn. It was...well, warm. And surprisingly friendly, but it made the elf tense regardless as her face turned the color of an apple. She wasn't used to being so...affectionate with someone else? It was admittedly nice, but it was overwhelming. Not so much that she didn't hear Vilivyn's plans, though.

"E-eh? Swimming?" The elf stuttered out. "U-uhm..." She had never been swimming with anyone in her life before, and considering her natural tendency to be horribly self conscious, this was not Lena's idea of a good time. Not to mention she was already feeling a bit oppressed simply from being in this manor, and the fact she just invited along Inari. Lena fidgeted uncomfortably, working her way out of Vili's hug and taking a few steps away from them, taking a few breaths to calm her nerves.

"U-uhm...I d-don't mean to be rude or discount your hospitality, but is there something else?" It was likely clear she was uncomfortable with the idea of swimming with others, even without Inari present.

”If it's because of me, I wasn't intending to go anyway.” The fox chimed in, studying his empty sake cup as if it were the most interesting thing in the world.

Faera laughed lightly, scratching the back of her head. ”He doesn't swim… Or, at least he doesn't like to. Something about his tail getting wet.” The girl gave a limp shrug, turning her bright eyes to Lena. ”But in this case that's good, right? Cmon, it'll be fun! Just us girls.” Inari openly rolled his eyes at the comment, turning his back to them to show his disinterest.

Faera’s optimism quickly lessened as a major factor presented itself. ”Oh… but I didn't bring a bathing suit…”

"N-no! It wasn't your fault! Really!" Lena quickly stuttered. Well, it wasn't exactly his fault anyways. "I...suppose I could go swimming." Lena said with a slight frown. It did sound fun, it honestly really did. She just...wasn't used to these sorts of situations and she just found them difficult to deal with mentally.

Tania opened an eye from her brief resting spot. Swimming? Meh, she didn't particularly want to. She wanted to talk with foxy fox anyways. With a quiet yawn, the Pixie stood up, fluttering her wings as she stretched.

"Yeah, I think I'ma stay here too. My wings don't handle water well. Not to mention I'm tired from watching over a certain klutzy elf. I think I'ma take a nap if you don't mind." Tania said, quietly flying over to one of the couches.

Inari glanced over his shoulder uncaringly, though didn't seem very ecstatic about the pixie staying back. He still was a little annoyed about that comment on his age...

"O-oh? Well...just behave yourself." Lena said, turning back to Vilivyn, once again realizing she wasn't exactly the most modestly of dressed people."I uhm, don't have anything aside from this armor...you have something a bit more modest?"

Vilivyn looked at the two, initially frowning as the elf seemed uncomfortable, but Inari decided to stay behind and her newest pointy eared friend was comfortable enough with the new situation! And the meanie pixie wouldn’t be being … a meanie pixie!

Both of the girls had questions about the bathing suits though, and the demoness simply gave the pair of them a cheerful smile as she nodded. ”Don’t worry, we have some that are sure to fit in all sorts of styles, come on!”

---

After assuaging the girl’s fears, they were brought to a portion of the grounds that resembled a forested waterfall scene, with extremely thick brush and trees surrounding two pools for privacy - a cool one pouring via a ten foot tall waterfall into the heated one beneath it - along with a wooden two story building with lime walls that looked like something a wealthy peasant would have. The upstairs was a game room that could also be used as an impromptu bedroom, the downstairs holding the clothes along with a bathroom, and a covered porch with a grill and a small kitchen.

The changing room had a wide variety of clothes, and Vili explained that a lot of nobles used slightly enchanted fabric that could adjust a size or two to fit a body. There was a wide variety of choices with various degrees of coverage, but the demoness briefly headed into a changing room with a clothes rack and headed out in a two piece pink swimming suit that looked like large demon horns on the top that tied off in the front and a small skirt on the bottom. It wasn’t extremely revealing probably compared to what they were expecting - or at least she hoped!

If they took too long to make a choice, the demoness would give a bit of encouragement. ”If you guys don’t pick I’ll help you out!” Looking at the elf’s adorable blushing face though made it apparent that she’d be really fun to pick for! Faera would be fun too, and it’d be interesting to see how she made decisions without Inari around to help!

The orange haired girl oohed at the swimsuits, looking over them excitedly. She took one off a hanger and darted into a changing room. Faera skipped back out with a giggle, wearing a one piece white bathing suit tied up in the lower back and around the back of her neck with red cherries polka dotting the fabric. She also had pulled her hair up into a ponytail, letting two pieces hang out in the front to frame her face. ”This is so cute! Well, how do I look?” She jokingly posed with her hand on her hip, giving another cute laugh as she brought both hands to her mouth.

Honestly, Lena was feeling so self conscious right now it wasn't even funny. She felt more stressed than relaxed, and was dreading going out there swimming with the two of them. She had no reason too of course really...It'd be fun! But she couldn't help it. She could make a fool of herself, she might mess something up, she...any number of things could go wrong. She stepped out of the changing room hesitantly, wearing a simple green, somewhat frilly one piece that covered her entire torso and walked out of the changing room.

She remained quiet, fidgeting uncomfortably on the spot and hoping no one commented on it. The elf wasn't sure her face could get any redder. She cast a glance over to Faera. Admittedly, the other girl did look cute but Lena was too embarrassed to say anything about it.

Vili looked at the two exit, and jumped up and down just slightly and couldn’t help but comment on both of them. ”You both look reallllly cuttteee! But to the spring we go!” With that announcement, the demoness rushed out of the building and straight across a small paved path straight into the natural looking hot spring, which she jumped in without ceremony. There were a few toys hidden behind the waterfall, but those could come out later.

After bringing her hair above water and flipping it around, she treaded water before a thought occurred to her … ”Come on over! If you don’t know how to swim, I can teach you! I didn’t know at first either!” Wasn’t much of a chance to learn that on the streets …

Faera shook her head wildly, flashing a toothy grin. ”Nope! There was a lake nearby my home near the woods, I always swam in it when I was little. So— Id move if I were you!” The girl jumped with a playful scream into the water, making a sizable splash as she went under the surface. The girl came to the top, moving her arms calmly in the water to keep her afloat. ”Its so nice! Come on, Lena, I'll make sure you won't sink if you're scared!” She gave her a friendly smile as she splashed a little bit of water at Vili, just to joke around a bit. ”Hehe! I got you!”

"I...I can swim..." She quietly muttered. Cute? She looked...cute? She was pretty sure she had smoke coming out of her ears from her brain trying to process all that was going on now. She wasn't going to jump in like the others. In fact, she'd be content with just sitting on the edge of the pool and soaking her legs. She wasn't feeling very up to swimming. She approached the edge of the pool...and promptly tripped over the edge and fell face first into the water.

Lena gave a small yelp as she once again, showed off her vast amounts of coordination. A few seconds later though, the elf surfaced, catching her breath and trying to reorient herself and quickly moving towards the edge of the spring. For now, she remained quiet and out of the way. At least the water was doing a good job of distracting her.

Vilivyn would have responded to Faera’s water splash, but some silly elf decided to fall into the pool and cause a small tidal wave. These taunts could not be tolerated by the spirit kin! ”Thismeanswaaaar!” Closing her eyes for just a moment, she summoned Siren into user form. Her wings grew and blew as hard as they could, causing splashes of water to fall into both of their faces. The demoness would have used her hands as well, but she was too busy laughing and covering her mouth with them. This seemed like it could be fun!

The orange haired girl squealed as the water soaked her hair and face, she futilely raising her arms to try and protect herself from the tsunami created by Vili. But, she was laughing. ”Oh yeah?!” Faera ducked under the stream of water, tackling the bat winged girl so they both would splash into the water together. ”Muahahaha! I've got you now!”

Vilivyn’s eyes widened as suddenly she was attacked by Faera! ”T-These weren’t the rules of enga-” The black haired girl would have finished her statement, but her head was dunked underwater of part of the struggle. A more determined Vili returned to the surface, ready to defeat this mighty foe that stood before her.

Of course, the bat-winged girl had no concept of how to do any sort of hand to hand combat. Given Faera’s sword training, it would be easy for the orange haired girl to defeat her. The attacked one was flapping her wings furiously however, trying to maintain her position and refusing to yield!

Lena simply watched the scene before her, parting the hair covering her eyes with a small smile. She couldn't help but to giggle a bit at Faera and Vilivyn going at it like that. It certainly looked fun...but she'd just get in the way, wouldn't she? She had half a mind to go back in and read a book or something...maybe see if Tania was hungry. The kitchen in this sort of place would be pretty big, and she could probably make something for everyone. The Elf glanced back at the changing rooms...she could probably leave fairly quickly and silently as to not disturb them.

”Eep! Man down, man down! Requesting back up! Lena, help me hold her!” Faera called out through her laughs, it muffled by the sound of the water splashing in her face due to the wildly flapping wings. ”I can't hold her myself! She's a madwoman!”

B-bwuh! What should she do here? Should she help?! Lena looked around her for any possibly excuse she could use to escape, but found none. The elf took a deep breath before running over to the two and tackling Vilivyn from the side, managing to avoid the demons wings.

"I-I got her!" Lena managed to stutter out.

Vili let out a slight squeal as she was suddenly tackled, and struggled with all her might against the other two girls, laughing as she did so. They were all soaked, and probably each one of them found their heads underwater at some point. Eventually though, the fighting led to Vili breathing heavily and eventually being forced to surrender, simply leaning into the other girls. Giggling at the situation, she let off the best false pout she could manage. ”Un-unfair! Double teaming a poor succubus like that!” She tried to keep the pout on for a little longer, but she eventually found herself simply bursting out in what amounted to a large amount of laughter.

Faera let go of Vili as soon as she had been forced to surrender, laughing loudly as well. ”Nope! We won, fair and square! You shouldn't have called war upon an allied force!” She teased, standing on the edge of the spring so she was up to her knees in the water and saluting to no one. ”We have defeated the great succubus! All hail Lena and Faera, the greatest warriors of the new age!” Faera called out, seeming to enjoy her little bursts of make believe, though they were not coherent with one another. She really did have the mentality of a child.

As soon as Faera let go, Lena immediately backed off as well. She hadn't been paying any attention to just how close she had been to the other two and took a few steps away. A small smile was displayed on her face, laughing quietly to herself. She couldn't show the same level of enthusiasm the other two were showing, but she could at least say that well...it was fun, even if she felt completely drained from that little bit of interaction.

The demoness gave a big smile towards the other two, continuing her laughter along with them and stretching her slightly-crushed wings. Perhaps they could team up against her with strength and expect a victory, but even if the two of them teamed up against her charm they would be sure to find themselves defeated. Remaining in character the black haired girl continued, ”My lack of wisdom has brought me defeat, and alas! I have been captured by the grand Lena and Faera! I can only speculate what they intend to do with their prisoner!” Using all the succubassary she could muster, the girl bent over slightly, gave her well practiced innocent-but-not-really seductive pout, and attempted to stop herself from laughing at the performance she was putting on for them. She was rather good at this, after all.

The girl reddened just slightly, waving her arms in her childish way. ”Waahh! That's not a part of the game!” Faera brought her fists to her chin and matched Vili’s pout. ”This was a story of bravery and conquest and now you made it— strange!” The orange haired girl puffed out her cheeks, but it was fairly obvious a girl like her could not actually be mad at anyone. Why did Vili have to make it weird?!

The elf merely blinked, slightly confused at what was happening. Lena had no idea what either of her new friends were getting at, but judging from Faera's red face and behavior she didn't entirely think it was something she wanted to know so she kept quiet.

Vilivyn held in laughter as Faera’s face suddenly became flushed and the orange haired girl started stammering out a response in the most adorable of ways. The demoness approached, placing a hand on the summoner’s cheek. ”What’s strange, I’m your prisoner, awaiting your every command.”

She held it in for about three seconds before bursting out into laughter about the sheer silliness of the entire scene. ”I-I’m sorry. I just couldn’t help it. Oh, your cheeks are the same color as your hair.” The black haired girl was laughing so hard that for a few moments she was concerned about suffocating, but eventually she came back under control.

The orange haired girl only puffed her cheeks more in response. ”That was a terrible game!” She whined, but as usual it didn't seem as though she would even remember it within a few minutes. Faera turned her eyes to Lena as her cheeks lost their heat, giving a quiet giggle. ”Your hair… oh, let me fix it…” She darted over— or, more accurately sloshed over— and raised her hands to fix the soaked messy strands of blonde hair. ”Aaaand, done! All fixed!” Faera gave a cheeky grin as she tucked her hands back down behind her.

The Elf gave a slightly startled yelp as Faera sloshed over, and started messing with her hair. Not that the elf particularly minded, but after that entire endeavor she was exhausted. An extrovert she was not, and she very much would like to find a nice book and start reading it somewhere. Better yet, she'd find the kitchen and start cooking. It was oddly relaxing for her.

"A-ah...thanks." Lena replied with a bashful smile. She honestly felt like finding a secluded spot and trying to become one with the water.

Vilivyn seemed to have other plans though, as suddenly she turned Faera’s impromptu idea into a circular interaction. After all, that orange hair was messy too! ”Fae! You stand still too!” The black haired girl started running her fingers through the orange haired girl’s hair, correcting whatever must have been wrong with it and putting it into a slight braid. ”There you go!” The demoness backed off with a grin towards the succubus, then looked over her shoulder briefly as she wondered if the elf would do hers.

The elf watched silently as Vilivyn did Fae's hair, subconsciously inching a few feet away from the other girls towards the edge of the pool. Instead, she rested her head and arms on the edge of the spring, sighing in mild relief to finally at least have a moment to collect herself. Unlike the hyperness of the other two girls, Lena was exhausted. With the exam, that little...erm, debate earlier and after even only a few minutes in the pool she was honestly exhausted. The elf rested her head on her arms, yawning quietly, just as she noticed Vilivyn looking at her as she finished braiding Faera's hair.

"...U-uhm..." She had no idea why Vilivyn was looking at her and could only imagine that she had messed something up or did something she wasn't supposed too. She didn't want to put a damper on the mood, but she had no idea what Vilivyn wanted from her.

Faera giggled and nodded a thanks to Vili, shaking her head lightly to keep it loose. There was a reason her hair always was half down… The orange haired girl turned her eyes to Vili, and then to Lena, and then back again cluelessly until it clicked in her head. ”Ohhh! Sorry Vili, I think Lena might be sleepy. She doesn't have as much energy as us, it seems!” She paused to playfully stick her tongue out at the elf, not realizing how true her words were that were said in jest. ”I can fix it for you too! Though it looks fine to me.” The girl poked a strand of the hair into place thoughtfully. ”Then we should probably go inside… I don't know how long Inari can be alone with another person without— well, I just think he may need someone to calm him down soon, before we see the mansion burst into blue flames from the inside out...” Faera laughed nervously, trying to be cheerful and joking, but the girl knew that the easily angered fox was quite capable of such a feat if pushed far enough, and that pixie can be a bit pushy...

Vilivyn raised an eyebrow at the clueless elf, but when Faera made her statement the demoness ended up agreeing. Lena did seem really tired. A wide smile crossed the black haired girl’s face as she looked between her new friends. ”Yeah, that wouldn’t make my step mom happy! Boom goes the mansion!” The girl tossed a little water up in the air, as if to demonstrate the result she was imagining.



After the other girls left, Tania cracked open an eye and took a quick look around the room. Good. They were gone, so this was the perfect chance for her to speak with the fox about a little something. The pixie waited a few moments to make sure they weren't suddenly coming back before jumping from her resting spot. She fluttered over to where the fox was having a staring contest with the ceiling and hovered just out of his view.

"Hey. Fox man...Inari. I got something I wanna talk with you about." Her voice oddly lacked any of the previous hostility and snark, though it definitely wasn't friendly.

The piercing eyes shifted just barely to lazily fall on the pixie, the fox choking back a growl. ”Well, at least you used my name this time. What do you want, you little mosquito? I'd talk fast before I swat you.” It was obvious the fox was no happy camper, and he could be much more aggressive now that his summoner wasn't here to hold him back. He was scared to do anything violent in front of Faera… He didn't want to make her upset. Now, though, he had free range. Plus, Inari was still holding a grudge about the ‘old’ comment. After 200 he had stopped counting, but that still wasn't that old for a spirit, dammit!

The small fairy grimaced at the mosquito comment, having to refrain from landing on the kitsune's head and start messing up his hair and chewing on his ears just to annoy him. In fact, she might do that later for funsies. Good plan.

"I have a name too, and was attempting to be civil fox. I guess I'll have to reintroduce myself since your age seems to be catching up with you." Probably shouldn't have said that, but the fox was testing her patience at the moment. "I am Titania - and if you want a leader for the spirits, with a little help I can give you one."

Inari jolted up to a crouched sitting position, baring his sharp fangs of his teeth. What should he pull off first? Maybe tear those little bug wings off one at a time? That might be fun! Once the other comment had settled in his mind, the little bug mentioned something of interest. The fox flicked his fluffy white ears as he folded his legs in front of him in a criss cross and tucked his clawed hands into the sleeves of his coat to show his temporary peace with the pixie. ”And why should I trust a mischievous little pixie like you? What sort of leader could you possibly have that's worth any while?” He said indignantly, keeping a firm glare of his green eyes on the fluttering creature.

"Have I given you any reason not to trust me?" Tania replied with a quiet huff, frowning slightly. "You'll probably not approve...considering your attitude, but me." She was leaving out some rather important information at the moment, but the fox didn't need to know such things yet. Not unless he agreed to help her. "With your help, at least. And don't worry...your funny little human doesn't have to be involved any more than she already is."

That seemed to be what had sealed it for the fox, he narrowing his eyes silently at the pixie as if to examine her. ”Alright… you’ve got my attention. What exactly is your plan?”

"Nothing at the moment. I just might need your help in the future. I'm pretty powerless, if that wasn't blatantly and annoyingly obvious, but if I can get back into the tower...well. On the upper floors, there are two Fae Courts that exist. Neither of them have a ruler currently...but if I have your help, I can fix that problem." Tania replied. Any sort of help he could provide would be a long ways away still. After all, the courts existed high within the tower, and she wasn't even entirely sure what floors they were on. She was never privy to that information. "For now, just a promise that you'll help me once we arrive on the floor with the courts. Faera seems intent on joining that bat brain and my Lena, so we might as well work together." There were many details she was still leaving out...but Inari didn’t need to know that.

”A Fae court? Don't tell me a pixie expects to get the seat of the seelie or unseelie thrones. I can understand using another person, a puppet of sorts, but just who of fae blood would be powerful enough yet malleable enough to listen to our plans, if we ever even get someone in at all.” Inari sighed, placed his elbow on the arm of the chair and leaning his chin into his open palm. ”I won't go against my summoner. Faera is the only person I have vowed my loyalty to. As long as her heart stays within this little niche, then I will be your ally. However, if she turns away from this group, I am your enemy. It is as simple as that.” The fox glanced away towards where the girls had gone, his gaze blank as he did. ”I wouldn't worry much about that though… For the time I've been with her, she hasn't made a single enemy. I doubt she'd start now. So, it is most likely that my alliance will hold with you, as well. I am merely warning you, that I can and will turn on you if it is requested of my summoner. Can you agree to that?” Inari turned his eyes back to the pixie slowly, awaiting her response. His loyalty with her was indeed shaky, but Faera’s loyalty with the other two girls was strong as it was with all of her friendships, so it made this deal somewhat worth the risk.

Tania listened to Inari's words, nodding her head as she listened.

"Reasonable," Tania shrugged. "Can't expect anything else. I'd put the safety of Lena above you that's for sure." She chuckled. Well, so far this had gone better than expected. It had been awhile since she last had spoken so civilly to anyone other than Lena. Ugh, she hated it. She didn't like all this, but it was in her nature not to...but it had its uses. With a satisfied smile, she fluttered back over to her pillow and laid on it.

"Thanks, foxy. I'd like you not to mention this. I haven't told my little elf anything, and she doesn't need to know anything. Not yet, at least."

Inari merely nodded, looking away from the pixie with little care. ”The same goes for Faera. I implore you not to utter a word around my little klutz of a summoner. She is better off without knowing if such things. Her mind and shoulders should remain clear.” It is my duty to take that weight off her shoulders as her spirit… and that is my only true goal. This is only a side affair. The fox fiddled with the sash around his kimono as he thought this.

---

Soon enough, the party found their way out of the pool. After drying off and changing back into some pajamas waiting in there and having some small snacks, one Vili was sure all of their long hair was dry and everyone was set the group headed inside, to where the spirits had been waiting. ”Sorry about that! No houses exploding, right?” The characteristic grin the black haired girl almost always wore crossed her face. They would have come back in the bathing suits and changed into their pajamas here, but Vili was almost certain that her cute little friends would blush so hard their heads would explode.

Before she could comment on that though, another more obvious thought brought itself to head. ”So, we are all sleeping together, right? Isn’t that what girls do at a sleepover?” Vilivyn seemed to be asking this question in full honesty, as if she wasn’t certain. ”I mean, there are other rooms available but …”

If the others looked up at them, they would see Vilivyn wearing a bra that had slightly transparent cloth extending from the bottom down to her waist, and pants beneath them. Clearly designed to optimize comfort for her wings and tail. Lena was wearing a rather simple blue set of pajamas that matched her eyes, but despite being simple the fabric was designed to be comfortable. Inari would see Faera wearing what amounted to an light orange dress that matched her hair, a nightgown of sorts that flowed comfortably around her.

The fox easily swung to his feet, only glancing at Vili before rolling his eyes in disgust. He hated when girls dressed like that, especially due to his upbringing in feudal Japan. It was a disgrace to be seen like that in front of a male, spirit or not. Though, he was fairly sure it wasn't advocated in these times either…

Inari turned his gaze to Faera, and immediately bristled in anger. ”I don't care what you wear, succubus, but my summoner is not walking around in that.” Though his voice was calm, it was obvious how close he was to just simply killing all of them.

”Ehh? But it's not even that short!” Faera pouted and tugged at the skirt of the nightgown, looking down at it.

The fox twitched, trying his best not to break his fangs from how hard he was grinding them out of pure fury in his mouth. A flash of fabric flew across the space between them, and as Faera quickly caught it she noticed it was the outermost layer of Inari’s outfit, a light long coat of sorts. ”Wear that over it.” He commanded, she slipping it over her bare shoulders. Faera was shorter than her fox spirit, so the coat slid on the floor, but it still covered her up nicely. ”Fine, fine, if it makes you happy.”

The girl smiled to Vili, giving a shrug. ”Oh, I forgot! Sure, I don't mind sharing a room!” Inari’s face became almost deathly dark. ”You're… going to share a room… with the succubus?” If he could faint, he would have at this moment. Faera, blind to his reasoning, gave him an innocent look of confusion. ”Why does it matter if she's a succubus?”

Inari shot her a look, eyebrow twitching with anxiety. Sometimes I wonder if she's truly innocent or just a complete moron!!

Unlike Inari, Tania simply found the situation hilarious and was simply watching the fireworks with a small giggle before floating slowly over to Lena who was feeling a little more than self conscious in the presence of so many people again. She pajamas she was wearing were not something she'd normally ever be wearing. Normally she just slept in whatever she was wearing at the time, but...

"Wow, I'm surprised she got you into that." The pixie chuckled."If I said you look great, would you slap-" A sharp poke from Lena answered the question rather quickly. The elf remained quiet for the most part. She was sorely out of her element once again, and would very much prefer a room by herself, but...she was too afraid of saying anything.

"Ow. So mean, and I was complimenting you." The pixie huffed before turning to Vilivyn. "Look here bat for brain. Lena's probably not gonna say anything, but if you even think about doing anything funny to my elf, I swear to whatever gods exist you're not gonna like what happens." The pixie retook her throne atop the Elfs head, ruffling the golden strands of hair lightly.

"Tania...I don't think you have to worry about anything like that..." Lena sighed, giving a smile to Vilivyn.

"Whatever, I'm staying with you though. And I wouldn't worry too much Fox man. Bat brain is the only succubus here so if something happens we know who to Lynch and run out of town with torches and pitchforks." The small pixie made a gesture of seeming to stab someone.

"Tania you said you'd behave!" Lena attempted to glare at the pixie, but only succeeded in looking a bit silly as she tilted her head upwards and puffed out her cheeks slightly.

"Hmph, I am. Just making sure batsy here knows she does anything funny to anyone, I'm not gonna be happy."

"Well you don't have to be so mean about it!"

To Vili, the spirit’s attitudes towards her … were disappointing. With normal people she would be angered. Maybe enraged. But with those she was fighting for … to see Inari roll his eyes with an obvious sense of disgust at her clothing choices and anxiety for Faera sharing a room with a demoness, along with Tania’s ... . less than subtle dislike of her. Usually the mortals were against her and the spirits enjoying her, but this … this was different.

But it was true. She did have power in the realm of sleep. Looking up at the two spirits who were chastising her, Vili frowned. ”The pixie is right … I do have power in the realm of sleep. I can make nightmares into the sweetest of dreams and the opposite, along with being able to view the desires of another in broad terms. It was only fair to inform the others of the possible risk of spending the night with her. ”But-but I promise I won’t do that, at least not without their consent!” The demoness gave a nervous smile to the other girls, wondering if they would still trust her enough to spend the night with her.

Yes, she was a demoness, despised by many.
A succubus, controlling the realms of dreams and desires.
Was it too much to ask to be treated … like a person, though?

Lena frowned. This wasn't right. She reached up, lifting the Pixie off her head and glaring at her, managing to look about as threatening as a kitten.

"I can't believe you. Really!" The elf huffed. "Why do you always do this?" Tania simply tilted her head in a quizzical fashion as the elf shook her head. "Always be mean to people? Vilivyn has been nothing but nice! Stop it you little...!" Lena poked Tania's cheeks in an annoyed fashion before sighing, deciding any sort of anger wasn't worth her time nor would be helpful. Instead, she sat the pixie down on a seat near them before turning and giving the succubus an apologetic smile.

"Sorry! I really am! I don't...She's always saying things like that if she's concerned for me." The elf took a breath, taking a step towards the succubus. "I uh, didn't know you could err, do something like that, but...I would be very happy if we could share a room."

Tania simply watched with mild interest.

Inari was less than thrilled with the situation, only seeming more and more agitated. Faera gave him a pout, went up to him, and poked him hard on the nose. The fox snarled, in a very animalistic way, and held it with cupped hands. The girl placed her hands firmly on her waist. ”That means you too, you big sour puss! Vili would never do… whatever you think she would do… She's a good person! Just because she's a succubus doesn't mean she's bad! And I'm staying in that room tonight, that's final!” Though she definitely wasn't appearing to really be the type that could scare off an overly protective fox spirit, she seemed to think she was as she swung her back to him in defiance with her chin held high. The fox rubbed his nose a couple of times before tucking his hands back into his long sleeves. ”Well… I suppose I have no say.” The green eyes became menacing as he looked to Vili under a short veil of white hair, only making his face more terrifying and dark. ”Forget the pitchforks. Touch Faera, and I will rip you limb from limb and burn the remai— ow!” The threat was cut off by another rude bop on the nose from Faera.

”No! Bad fox! No threatening mutilation!”

”I'm not a dog!”

It seemed like the pixie was putting a damper on the mood, but the interplay between the grumpy old fox and Faera made Vili giggle a little bit, despite the source of their argument. Well, things had been decided then! Her friendsies hadn’t been scared off! ”I’m not sure I’ll be able to keep my hands off of her, but I’ll be sure to play nice.” Giving Inari the most suggestive wink she could manage, she linked arms with both girls. ”Let’sgo! Onward!” Hopefully before anyone managed to stop her, she started to pull the girls up a staircase, down a long hallway with windows facing the street on one side and various elven paintings and works of art on the other, heading towards the children’s wing of the building.

Eventually they all entered a large bedroom, featuring a small sitting area and several cabinets, a desk with several letters and writing utensils on it. The general theme of the room matched the colors of Vilivyn - black and pink. As the final person entered the room, Vili shut the door behind them and jumped on the bed with a giggle, letting out an unconcealable yawn. The test had been tiring, but weren’t they supposed to talk or something? How were sleepovers supposed to work?

Ultimately, the overexcited demoness gave the two other girls a smile. ”So …” Yawn. Damn. ”We’vealldone a lot today … exciting, right? Tomorrow we’ll be in the tower!” Despite her tiredness, she was still intent on keeping that cheerful air of hers.

The girl was already half asleep herself, sitting on the edge of the bed before curling up in it in the same way a kitten would. ”Yeah… tomorrow’s going to be a blast… I can't wait to—” She paused to give a long yawn. ”see everyone. We’ll get to the top, no problem….” The darker orange colored lashes blinked a couple times slowly, trying to fight back the sleep.

The elf sat on the edge of the bed, yawning tiredly. Lena was tired, more so than she had ever been from training or from trying to forge something. Dealing with these two were tiring...but it was worth it, she thought. She had never done something like this before, and it had been fun. She did hope she got a moment to herself in the morning before setting off to the tower though.

"Mhm..." Lena quietly replied, before quickly falling onto the bed, asleep. Tania had fluttered to the nearest window in the room, carrying a small pillow from the room earlier with her behind them. Lena probably wouldn't be so welcoming to her trying to sleep with them, but she was at least going to sleep in the same vicinity as the elf.

It wasn’t long before Vilivyn began to take up Lena’s cue, and after putting herself beneath the sheets and checking on everyone’s location she managed a brief agreement with Faera. ”... yeah …” Before the demoness managed a more powerful response though, her eyes closed and she passed into the realm of sleep. The orange haired girl soon found herself unable to hold off sleep either, and the night passed peacefully in Vili’s house with little event.

---

The kitsune girl formerly known as "Alba" lied on a nearby Couch. Both her spirits were taking care of her as best as they can. One was keeping the girl known as "Alba" cool while the other was trying to keep the girl’s hydration at a good level. It was if the two of them got along nicely. Even though they were two different types of spirits. Everyone once and a while the two spirits looked at the girls having their sleepover and shook their heads. These people having a sleepover seemed to think they are "Alba"’s friends yet, they weren’t the ones who were taking care of the unconscious girl.

The kitsune girl was still showing no signs of recovery, yet at the same time it didn’t look like the kitsune girl was getting worse. This gave the girl time to think and consider a lot of things. She got to think about what she had just done, and why she did it? What was her cause and what was her downfall? But most of all, How her actions affected her friends.

As if on que, an adult elven woman wearing fine brown robes entered the room, hair tied into a ponytail. Apparently, someone had informed her step-mother of the girl’s plight. And her step-mother was carrying a solution in the form of liquid in a small vial. Probably a herbal mix from the garden mixed in such a way as to stop panic and calm a person, Vili thought. She had played around in the garden a little, but had focused her times and abilities elsewhere.

Soon enough, Kythela had approached the white haired girl and looked towards the spirits. ”This is medicine, it should help calm her down, okay?” She wasn’t sure if the spirits would be able to understand her, but hopefully her tone of voice made the message clear that she was just trying to help. Soon enough, the vial was opened near the girl’s face as she would likely inhale the fumes, allowing the potion to do some work even if the patient was too out of it to be able to swallow effectively.

To the girl this time, she spoke a few more words. ”Hey, it took me a while to make this, but your friends are upstairs. If there’s anything I can do for you, don’t be afraid to ask.”

Alex couldn’t agree with Samuel’s insight. Love was not reserved for him. Nor was it expected. He wasn’t the heir of the Reinners. He did not require to advance the bloodline. There was no duty to him loving someone. Happiness was a fleeting thing too. A smile yesterday is so easily forgotten. Among the higher courts, a smile is rarely remembered. Alex concluded that strength, power, and knowledge really did trump everything. One required strength to fight. Without it, you’re weak and vulnerable. Power turned into influence. When you can change the outcome simply by your presence, what force could form its equal? Knowledge was a requirement for giving wise council.

Alex didn’t really regret his decision to go home for the lessons until he heard about the Unison Form. The very form of power he wanted to master when he first heard about it. No matter what the mystics would say, the Unison Form would be more powerful. He had to go! But before Alex could say anything Lux was already… dancing their way across the tables.

When Lux arrived at their table, the boy nearly managed to knock over Alex’s tankard. Only his swift hand managed to save the mead inside. But it definitely annoyed him. Which is face clearly showed as he took another chug from the alcohol. It definitely started to have an effect on him. “That’s an awful lot of titles there. Did you make most of them up or did you steal one or two?” he made a silent remark as Lux rambled off his many titles. Alex had little belief that this jester was authentic. He spoke with an overly complicated tongue. Apparently trying to look ‘amazing’ and ‘mysterious’. The only thing he was doing amazingly, to Alex, was failing.

The young Reinner would have kept his head level if Lux just rambled about. But when he made his comment about him being Gabriel with a high voice, he shot up right. The sudden jolt of emotional activity must have transferred via the psychic link to Nimueh. Who woke up right then and jumped near her master. “Did you just…insult… my voice?” His body language said a thousand words. He took it as an offense. Clearly, he wasn’t the only one who got bugged by the shadowy boy. As Alex stood up, so did several other patrons of the bar. Okami was trying to make clear that the guy better toned it down. The fact that Alex was influenced by the booze didn’t help much. Still, he was in Okami’s bar. He could hardly start a fight here, now could he? “How about we take this outside, Lux?”

"From our job, obviously, Master. Where were you thinking that I got it?" Artemis' reply had a tease tone to it, maybe because of the way she narrowed her eyes when speaking. Nevertheless it didn't went very much past that as soon enough the purple-haired Spirit's attention was back at Baldur. "You made a fine choice, sir. It's true that any of us could do well on their own, but if we ally ourselves, we can be even better."

"Everything is better with company, after all, food, drink, adventures and... private times." Artemis paused on her ramblings when Kiara spoke about how something stronger could be more of the taste of a gentleman like Baldur. "Ara? You are growing bolder, Master. I like that. I have once heard about some legendary spirits that take their name from a certain liquor that's said to be the bane of all who taste, should we give it a try, Master?"

"Hmm... I wonder if Absinthe Purple wouldn't be a better tittle for me to take? Fufufu~" Artemis whispered to herself, while waiting for Kiara's decision.

---

@TheWindel, @Lonewolf685, @MacDuffy.

@KoL@TheWindel@MacDuffy


"I am certain that Kiara will be more then able to pay your fees, though for hiring an injured man, we expect a fairly discounted price to being with. This is a matter of faith on our part, and judging by the tenderness with which you hold yours side, we can not be certain you will be in any shape to contribute in the immediate future." While she had no knowledge of his healing squid, she could spot an injury fairly well. The Eel was often the most perceptive person in the room, and the matter was often whether or not she acted upon what she detected.

Roma turned to her spiritual cohort and frowned at her, an expression carrying with it all the menace of being on the butcher's block themselves. "For the last time, we are not consuming Absinthe. You and Kiara are insufferable under its effects, and if you attempt to chase the green fairy once more I will not hesitate to hog tie you both in the nearest cupboard."

The Eel did not like Absinthe of any kind.

@TheWindel, @KoL, @Lonewolf685, @cloudystar, @Savo, @Legion02, @Duoya

---

Baldur propped his head up with one fist on the table, eyeing each of the three girls, and Kiara in particular. It would seem that titles did not match status in this particular group, given the assertiveness and....boldness, of her Spirits, and her being- figuratively, and quite literally- dragged along by them. Internally, he wondered who among them would be the one actually in charge. "Interesting how they call you 'Master.'" He said to Kiara with a small smirk. "By the look of things, you're quite submissive."

He resumed an upright position, looking across the table at all three of them. "My terms are simple." He began in a rehearsed, businesslike manner. "I require a small fee up-front, and a guaranteed percentage of the spoils of the campaign. Given that there's four of us in this venture....I would say twenty-five percent is fair. You may consider me for food and lodging at your discretion, I'm capable of taking care of those myself."

As the conversation briefly turned to drink, Baldur's gaze in kind turned back to the flamboyant drunk. In particular, how he pratfalled, melted into darkness and reformed. Another interesting power...He briefly took note of the familiar face at the table as well...the priest, and his companion from earlier in the day. A stark contrast to the priest, given his flared temper at the drunk's buffoonery. He watched the proceedings, amused. Perhaps this time, a fight would actually occur.

His attention on the argument, as well as his amusement, quickly faded as he heard the eel-eyed girl express her doubts at the capability of a wounded man. He turned back to look at her, eyebrow raised and taken by surprise. He had assumed he carried himself well enough that his injuries would be unnoticeable...and yet she was able to take notice of it, in such little time. Those bulbous eyes, it would seem, were not to be underestimated. His neutral expression took a stern edge as he looked at Roma.

"I assure you," He said, flatly, arms folded, "that I am more than a match for this job, even with these wounds. If you still doubt my abilities......I would be happy to partake in a challenge of your choosing."

Lux still showed no hesitation in mouthing his head off and constantly being a chatterbox at the main party's table. The constant talking of wondrous deeds and how he can use his powers of the darkness to aid those who strive in the light...constantly irritated the quick-to-action Alex. Samuel's constant badgering on the two of them stating that both should just relax and calm down did not do much to aid in simmering down the constant badgering of Lux. The anger inside Alex slowly rose as the Tales of the Dark and Mysterious Lux told by the man himself constantly fueled his rage...though Nimueh was thoroughly entertained by just Lupa seeming to tell her a tale of the tastiest meals that she encountered in her lifetime, most of them being found here in the tavern. Gabriel, as the two females chatted, tries to join the conversation as well but was rapidly disgusted or had to excuse himself for brief moments whenever they mention the cannibalistic acts they do to their other fellow organisms.

Okami, on the other hand, goes over to the party that seemed to be friends of Lux...only to notice one of the strangers for some reason constantly cringing every so often after speaking with the females of the group. He does try to come over and offer some aid, thinking that Samuel can control the other situation. Not able to catch what the warrior and the women were talking about (their group finalizing what their deal and agreement is), he is rejected from offering any aid to the man...though does tell the warrior that if he needs any aid of such, just ask Okami and he'll try to find a way to help him.

The situation back at his table not being fixed by Samuel, Alex eventually just excused himself to head back home. He does tell Samuel and Okami that he'll be back in the morning when the group manages to regroup here back at Ad Vitam. Okami and Samuel agree with him and Lux soon leaves the group temporarily...though does manage to catch the details about them forming a group of exploring the Tower. He badgers out quite loudly to everyone in the tavern how he could be a great aid to their party being formed...which Okami takes half-heartedly due to how the man constantly preferred to refer to himself in the third person. Samuel, on the other hand, convinced by the wise Spirit of Lux's to give Lux a chance in proving his worth and ends up convincing Okami to approve too. Lux's loud outburst of delight does reach the other small group of the woman (and her Spirits) and the wounded warrior.

Everyone returns to their quarters for the night, as the brief darkness (more like weeks of darkness) was finally reaching a close...

As last night has been colorful to say the least, this morning had been equally as chaotic. It had taken almost half an hour for Faera to convince her overprotective spirit that she could safely take a quick shower before they left without any peeping toms, and even when he complied he insisted upon standing guard at the door. Vili had even offered a new pair of clothes for Faera to wear, but after reviewing the rather revealing selection Faera kindly passed and decided it was better to simply wash her clothes she had on the day before.

It was a struggle, but finally the pair had made it back to the tavern to regroup with the boys. Okami had invited her into the group, and Faera was determined to meet the others and climb to the top beside them!

Inari, as usual being the more responsibly minded, said to meet them outside for they would all have to pass through there anyhow. But his impatient summoner thought otherwise.

The girl peeked curiously into the tavern, eyes bright and wide. Of course it would be fairly empty this early in the morning, but there still was a few people who sat at various tables and at the bar, perhaps a handful.

Faera skipped up to the bar and landed sturdily near the edge of the bar on her feet, Inari making sure to stay close to his orange haired summoner and ignoring the looks he got for his strange clothing and the fact he had fox ears and a tail. He flicked them with annoyance, but stayed quiet as Faera called over who seemed to be the owner of the tavern.

"Pardon, sir? Sorry to bother you. My name is Faera, I'm looking for someone named Okami, so do you happen to know where him and his group are?"

The night had been incredibly hectic. The man, Lux, as he addressed himself, was incredibly... dramatic? Samuel had a hard time putting the man into proper words rather than a collection of scrambled letters. The two had managed to hit it off, at least, which surely means something. Unfortunately, the heated discussion that arose between Lux and Alex resulted in a quick ending to the night. Samuel, dejected after his attempt at peace was ignored, went to the room which Okami had offered to him. His robes, incredibly dirty and caked in sweat, were thrown into a pile at the door. Samuel did not even have time to wonder where Gabriel had wandered, before drifting off to the land of dreams.

---

"Samuel... Please man, you gotta come back!"

"C'mon man, I haven't eaten in days! Wait any longer and I'll even be able to get free myself!"

"Please Samuel, get back soon! I need some help over here..."

"Dammit..."

"Please..."

"..."

---

Samuel woke up in the middle of the night, covered in a thin veil of sweat. A light thumping was emanating from behind his window, but Samuel was unable to hear it over his own heartbeat. Samuel slowly rose out of his bed, before immediately rushing to the bathroom. What felt like hours passed by, as Samuel's stomach wretched and regurgitated everything he had eaten the night before. Samuel slowly closed his eyes, as tears rapidly fell from his face. By the time he had cleaned the area and left, the sun had already risen. Gabriel was nowhere in sight. Samuel quickly washed his robes in the clean bathroom, before sligning them on, still wet. After all, it would at least wake him up.

Samuel made his way down to the main bar, which was now but a hollow shell of its former glory. All that remained of the patrons from the night before were a few drunkards, and those who had still not finished their drinks. Moving himself to the bar, Samuel ordered a water and did his best to remove the scent of vomit from his breath. Samuel spent the next few hours drifting between conscious and unconsciousness, until a voice that sounded familiar echoed the name of the boy he was waiting for.

"Pardon, sir? Sorry to bother you. My name is Faera, I'm looking for someone named Okami, so do you happen to know where him and his group are?"

Samuel raised his head from the bar, and motioned for the young girl to come closer. As he did so, he noticed that his robes had dried in the heat of the tavern, and he lightly called out to her.

"Greetings, Faera. I believe Okami is still asleep in his room. Do you know where the rest of the group is?"

It was good to see that the team was still together.

The sight of a young man's face filled Samuel's mind. He couldn't be slothful in his mission. He had come to the tower for a reason. And he was not going to back down. Not now.

Samuel, lost in thought, did not even notice Gabriel seated neatly in his lap.

---

Finally! Now that everyone is going to bed, it is time for me to practice the ancient forbidden art!

Flight!

I quickly moved my way through the tavern, avoiding feet as if they were slow moving, glacial as... Glaciers.

By the time I had made my way out, I was already analyzing my surrounding, using my eagle-like vision to find the perfect passageway to the top of the tavern. Finally, it came to me like a puppy duckling to it's master: The gutter!

While the way to the top was... unpleasant, to say the least, I had successfully reached my goal: The roof! Now, the mighty Gabriel merely needed to learn how to fly before the winged maiden sees him again. How hard could that be?

I took several strides back, before running forwards and leaping off the ledge.

I then plummeted and smashed face first in the ground.

---

As it turned out, I have severely underestimated gravity. Additionally, simply flapping your wings as hard as you can while praying does not gift one with the ability of flight. With my body broken bruised and my pride battered scratched slightly, I made my way to the washroom of the tavern. Roughly an hour later, I emerged perfect. As usual.

Besides, I hear ladies love a man with tons of scars!

@Cherrywitch @Duoya

---

Baldur's evening went by quietly, after the almost-erupted tavern brawl. The deal with the trio of women had unfortunately fallen through, which meant he was once again financially uncertain for his stay at this foreign city. He had just enough for lodgings, and the food the women provided was enough for him to get by. He retired silently to his quarters quite late into the night, and his sleep, while for once devoid of any reliving of violent memories, was nonetheless a tad restless. The warmth of a bed and the silence walls and a roof brought had been foreign to him for quite some time. Without the wind upon his face, he had trouble falling asleep in this still, quiet air.

But he did sleep, eventually, and as the sun rose, so too did he. He rolled his shoulders to loosen them up, and felt his arm and his midsection. The pain had dulled to the point he could now ignore it, for the time being. Certainly enough that he wasn't going to appear suspect to any quick-footed young men again. He clothed himself, re-equipped his sword, and put on his cloak and hat. The time for rest and debauchery had come to an end. Now it was time to work. First, a visit to that blond young man's mansion, and then the Tower. The specter in his mind muttered nothings at the thought. It was growing impatient again...

Baldur made his way down the stairs and into the tavern proper, eyeing the now silent and relatively empty building. He took notice of the priest, looking like he had one foot in the grave, and a young girl he recognized from the day before...one of the louder individuals at that noble boy's rally. Once again, she was accompanied by a sullen-looking companion. A Spirit, judging by his fox-like features, and her guardian as well, no doubt. The girl made mention of an "Okami," the name of that speedy, prying waiter. Seemed like every attention-grabbing individual at that display knew one-another....Were they a coalition? He took a seat in a nearby chair, watching them intently and trying to listen to their conversation...

Direct Interactions: @MacDuffy@Duoya@cloudystar@Cherrywitch
In Area of: Ad Vitam (Okami's Tavern)

The sleepover went by peacefully as the three girls rested in the Vili's large bed, and breakfast was prepared at the insistence of Lena and the household staff. Faera denied her offer to clothe them, which disappointed the normally cheerful demon. The girls looked so much better in her clothes!

A few minutes after Faera finished preparing herself the morning and leaving the mansion, the demoness followed in the same direction flying through the air and landed outside the tavern before returning Siren to her catalyst where the bat would find themselves comfortable. Of course, she had made sure Lena would have the directions to where she needed to go the night before since she had to head out early, but she sensed the elf would need a little alone time and besides, a good stroll in the sky was always good for one's health.

Opening the door, she entered into the familiar tavern where Faera was and of course ...

"Birdie!" The demoness practically skipped up to the recently cleaned bird and looked down at her newest friend. "Howyadoing? Your feathers looksofine right now!" The spirit-kin smiled brightly at her friend, cupping her hands in front of Gabriel as an obvious offer to pick the bird up.

If Gabriel accepted, the bird would find themselves lifted up against her chest where they would find a conveniently placed perch to look upon the tavern from.

---

@MacDuffy@Duoya@cloudystar@Cherrywitch

Lena, unlike the other two girls in the mansion had made a point of getting up early. Out of habit, really, she was always up at the crack of dawn. Working for a blacksmith meant getting up early as well as some late nights. Of course, she still felt a bit bad about her behavior towards Vilivyn and Faera both, even if they didn't entirely seemed to bothered so Lena decided she'd make it up to them eventually. She wasn't good at much...but, she could at least do something, couldn't she? But she had something else to do for now so she'd have to do it later.

She left the mansion, making sure to fold any borrowed clothes neatly into a pile and place them near the bed before she left. She jogged down the street at a reasonable pace towards a less well off part of town where for the most part, she lived. She shoved open the heavy wooden and iron door to the blacksmiths, immediately assaulted by warm air and the smell of metal and fire. Had he been up all night again? Lena frowned. The old dwarf was going to overwork himself one of these days...Lena simply shook her head. He was a tough old guy, so she shouldn't worry but there wasn't much she could do right now. So she'd make him a quick breakfast before heading off to the tavern before spending a few minutes reading or practicing her swordplay. Maybe help him, if she could...

"I'm back! Sorry, I uh, got a bit distracted last night," She shut the door behind her, Tania lazily lounging in an open window. About an hour later, Lena bolted out the door covered in a sweat and smelling of burning metals and coals and with a small dusting of black coal darkening her hair from a small slip up. She didn't have much time to bathe if she was going to get there on time. She really hoped the others didn't mind too much.

---

"Oh dear...uhm...Tania?"

"Pfft, don't look at me." The tiny pixie said from her shoulder. "And really, you could have cleaned up just a bit."

"I-I didn't have time! I don't want to keep the others waiting..."

"You could have at least washed off so you wouldn't smell like some elf decided to get overly friendly with a Salamander spirit." Lena frowned. Really, she should have probably at least washed off a little, but there wasn't a whole lot of time. She didn't want to hold any of them back, after all. "Okay, okay, don't look like someone kicked a puppy in front of you." Lena pouted, turning her head away from the pixie as she kept walking. It had to be here somewhere, right?

She was certain she got the right directions...wait, was that Vilivyn? It was! Oh good, she wasn't that late then! With a relieved sigh she hurried after the demoness, attempting to walk into the tavern behind her.

"Hey, you think she's cute don't ya?"

"W-wha?!" Tania's comment completely catching her off guard. Not watching where she was going, Lena slammed face first into the door, earning a not so quiet chuckle from Tania. The elf yelped in both surprise in a small amount of pain as her forehead met the door.

"T-tania...that was meeeean..."

"Hey, it was funny."

"Tannnia."

"Shh, my cute little elf. I'll buy you a drink later." The pixie replied, patting the elf on her head. Lena, despite trying to give her a stern look ended up pouting and giving Tania decidedly the most unthreatening of looks possible.

"I don't drink."

"And that is why you're no fun!~"

Realizing she was standing in the middle of the door, with quite a few people looking at her, Lena fidgeted uncomfortably before moving inside, face as red as a tomato from embarrassment. She moved quietly to the side noticing both Faera, Vilivyn, and a few others that she had met yesterday. She gave them a hesitant, though friendly wave.

@RabidAnubis

---

Fortunata lied on the couch through the whole of the sleepover at the demoness' house. The smell of the garden herbal liquid didnt cause a reaction at first from the unconcious girl. But the two spirits were reacting. They seemed slightly put off by the scent. They blocked there noses and held on tight to there friend.

The night completely passes and the next day everyone had left and she was completely forgotten. She gasps for air and is sick in her mouth. She looks around and tries to figure out where she is. She wanders around the demoness' manor and gets a drink of water. She saw several pictures of the demoness as she grew up from being a child, but didnt pay much attention to it. She sighs "So when are you both going to tell me what happened?". There is a moment of silence before the blue spirit spoke "U-u-ummm the demoness... She brought you here and tried to feed you... this herbal medi-" Once again the blue spirit is cut off by the green one. "TheyTriedToWakeYouUpWithNoSuccessButWeStayedByYourSideThroughTheWholeThing!"

There is a moment of silence before Fortunata speaks again "So then, where did the demoness go?" The kitsune was definitely annoyed by the fact, the demoness helped her and didnt stay around. Both the spirits shrug before pointing outside "That helps a lot..." She rolls her eyes before heading outside in search for the demoness

An orc behind the counter was looking at the rather loud and energetic group that has assembled at the bar. He grunts when he looks at them again, and gives a gesture to one of the waiters. The waiter brings out a few breakfast meals for the group as they continue to discuss things before their trip. The orc begins to speak before they can ask about their food.

"Okami is calling in all his favors for you lot to get you start you guys off with a breakfast and some rations for your trip...enough for five full camping sites from the looks of how much we're getting you guys. I'm his dad, so do me a favor, keep that kid out of trouble. Always fast to get into it that boy. He's out right now at the marketplace picking up a few things for the tavern. Might be a while until you guys come back after all so he's making sure to get a lot done before leaving."

His rough accent and chuckle seem to stress his favor and the fact that he was Okami's dad...despite looking nothing like Okami. He goes back to working after the party gets their things.

@Rune_Alchemist@RabidAnubis@Duoya@Cherrywitch

---

Okami

Okami with Lupa following behind him were slowly on their way back to the tavern. They were busy tugging on a large cart containing many boxes and crates as their last chore for the tavern for a while. The two felt bad that they were going to be in the Tower for who knows how long so they woke up extra early to do a few extra chores. Not knowing they were going to run into anyone or not, they kept slowly making their way back home.

"Can't wait Lupa, we're going to be meeting all sorts of new Spirits soon! Sure most will be hostile but still cool!"

@Lady Athena

Faera blinked as a hand waving to her caught the corner of her eye, she taking a few steps closer towards the man curiously. Her fox spirit stayed where he was, but still made it a point to watch his summoner closely in case anyone got too close.

"Greetings, Faera. I believe Okami is still asleep in his room. Do you know where the rest of the group is?"

The girl gave a little grin. "Oh, good! But I don't know where everyone else is. Vili and Lena should be coming in soon, and Alba too if I'm correct."

Just as she said this, the door opened twice. The first time, her demoness friend came skipping in. The second time, Lena and her little pixie entered as well. Faera turned to the door and waved widely in the air with her cheeky smile plastered on her face to get their attention to come over. "Hey! I think Okami is already here." The girl turned back to the priest, frowning worriedly. "Oh no, I never asked your name! I'm so sorry, that's so rude of me!" She clutched her hands to her chin to show her distress.

Then, the man— or, orc— behind the bar decided to jump in and finally answer her question. And he threw in breakfast too! "Oh, thank you so much for the meal! And don't worry, we'll all stay safe as long as we're together, yeah?" She tucked her hands behind her as she flashed another cheerful smile towards Okami's father.

Inari tried not to roll his eyes at his overly enthusiastic summoner, instead his eyes caught another man who seemed to be listening a little intently to their conversation of which he was not apart of. The kitsune narrowed his eyes suspiciously, tail flicking behind him.

@Cherrywitch @Duoya @Rune_Alchemist @RabidAnubis @cloudystar

---

With the arrival of the winged young-woman, and the words of the orc bartender, Baldur's suspicions were confirmed to him. It would seem, indeed, that all these familiar faces were working together to ascend the Tower. It was an astonishing coincidence, that all the most interesting individuals he saw and encountered the preceding day would be allied with one-another. Or perhaps it was no coincidence at all....perhaps it was the whims of fate, that such a thing were to occur, that he would be there to witness it.

Perhaps the most intriguing journey would lie with this band....he considered it. He was already sponsored for this trek by a church, it's only reasonable that he make it with a man of the cloth. He was distracted, however, by a curious smell upon his nose, and the distinctive sound of an elven face slamming into a door. He turned his attention to the young elf girl, the child playing Knight.....yet another familiar face. But something was different about her. He sniffed the air, recognizing the burning scent of the forge that came from her direction. Had she had something made at a blacksmith? He took notice of the soot in her hair, however....No, she was working the forge. He stared at her, intrigued....she was stronger than she appeared. Like the priest, it would seem, he had made an inaccurate judgement. The elf, which he had initially written off as a spoiled naive girl, had attracted his interest once again.

As he returned his attention to the conversation at the counter, he took notice of the fox-spirit's cold stare rested squarely on him. He had grown privy to his eavesdropping, it would seem, but what would he do now?....Baldur leaned back in his chair, matching Inari's cold gaze with his own, with his piercing blue eyes.